Survey of a random sample of pharmacies in New York to assess the availability, accessibility, and price of rapid HIVST kits and evaluated by high or low morbidity neighborhood, defined by HIV diagnosis rate. Project staff visited pharmacies to determine kit availability (in pharmacy on day of survey), accessibility (not locked/behind counter), and price (marked on shelf/product).

Summary of findings

Median kit price was US$42.99 (range: US$32.99-50.00). HIVST kits were available in 30% of pharmacies in low morbidity neighborhoods and 24% of high morbidity neighborhoods, more often behind the counter in high morbidity settings. There was greater availability in chain pharmacies compared to private (84% vs. 9%). Only 80% of pharmacists correctly stated availability of HIVST kit. Two-thirds sold the kit over US$39.99.